People read far too much into how captaincy and leadership translates into team success. I think Gio is pretty much doing now, what Iginla did in all the years of his prime. Work hard, perform, defend his teammates, conduct himself well, represent the team in the community and media. I could be wrong but I don't see Gio being a guy who'se yelling at people in the locker room -- he's a lead by example guy just like Iggy was.
Culture is shaped by a lot more than one player. Let's not gloss over the fact that the team in recent years has hired a new president, new GM, new coach and most importantly -- has a stable of young talent the likes of which it hasn't had for the better part of 2 decades. Gio's done an amazing job and he actually has a luxury that Iginla never had -- young talent that have the potential of becoming elite in their own right. Gio won't have to carry the load by himself for his entire career, and team success will come along with that. Its never just one guy.
__________________
A few weeks after crashing head-first into the boards (denting his helmet and being unable to move for a little while) following a hit from behind by Bob Errey, the Calgary Flames player explains:
"I was like Christ, lying on my back, with my arms outstretched, crucified"
-- Frank Musil - Early January 1994
|